Leavenworth

Leavenworth is a resort city of about 2000 people in the North Cascades region of the State of Washington. The Bavarian-themed architecture and dining options entice visitors year-round, as a base for roaming the surrounding mountains and the Wenatchee River, and for winter festivals of dazzling lights and snow.

Facade of Front Street at Front Street Park, note the maypole usually erected around springtime.

Understand

History

At the confluence of the Icicle Creek and Wenatchee River, the meeting point was a settlement for the Native Yakima, Chinook, and Wenatchi tribes where they hunt salmon in the river and game in the mountains, in an area stretching as far west as Lake Wenatchee.

The first railroad route was built through Stevens Pass in 1892. Leavenworth became a hub for the timber industry because of its perfect location, on the edge of the steep slopes of the Cascades. The city housed the headquarters of then Great Northern Railway, whose railroad network spans from Seattle, Washington to Saint Paul, Minnesota. The city declined in the 1920s however, after the main railroad activity shifted to Wenatchee.

In 1962, Owen and Pauline Watson, owners of a business on Front Street, kicked off Project LIFE (Leavenworth Improvement For Everyone) to transform the city into a mock Bavarian village. The inspiration came from a visit to the Danish-themed town Solvang, California four years earlier, and by the European Alps which echoes the mountain backdrop for Leavenworth. Since then, this Bavarian theme has been the main selling point for travelers across the U.S., either just to experience the culture, or as a base for recreation in the North Cascades.

Climate

Leavenworth (Washington)
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       27.9 4.5     35 20       15.3 2.7     43 22       5.1 2.1     53 28       0.3 1.1     62 34       1.1     71 41       1.1     78 48       0.4     87 52       0.5     88 51       0.7     79 43       0.4 2.1     63 34       9.8 4.5     44 28       31.3 4.5     33 20 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches From w:Leavenworth#Climate
Metric conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       709 114     2 −7       389 69     6 −6       130 53     12 −2       7.6 28     17 1       27     22 5       27     26 9       9.9     31 11       12     31 11       17     26 6       10 53     17 1       249 114     7 −2       795 114     1 −7 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Leavenworth has a typical climate of Eastern Washington — hot in summer and cold in winter — though slightly on the wetter side because of its close proximity to the Cascades that typically shields the town from the heaviest precipitations. Snow and chill is always expected in the winter, but it is mostly dry and crisp in all other seasons.

While driving in town may still be manageable with the snowy conditions, driving in and out of the city can be harsh, especially if you are going to the other side of the Cascades. See § Stay Safe for more information.

Plan

Most of the shops are open roughly 10AM-6PM, and it would be a shame to miss all the window shopping. If you arrive in the morning, the town is pretty quiet before 10AM (without even many options for breakfast; consider eating at your hotel instead) but gets busy quickly. Meanwhile, most restaurants open at 11AM and close between 9PM and 11PM. Arriving in the evening, you'll likewise find there's not much to do other than eat and drink, and your options for those may be limited if you arrive too late.

Get in

By plane

The nearest airport from Leavenworth is Pangborn Memorial EAT ^IATA, 40 minutes east in Wenatchee, at which only Alaska Airlines offers flights from Seattle three times daily. General aviation make up the rest of the traffic. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is three hours away on the other side of the Cascades where it has many more domestic & international connections.

By car

US-2, commonly called the Stevens Pass Highway, runs through town, approximately 120 miles east from Seattle and 180 miles west of Spokane. If you are coming from Seattle, this will be the first major town after driving through the Cascade Mountains.

The junction with US Highway 97 is a few miles to the east. US-97 leads to Blewett Pass, and eventually to Interstate 90, the nearest interstate to town.

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

• 1 Leavenworth "Icicle" Station, 11645 North Road. Located 2 miles to the northeast of downtown Leavenworth. (updated Jul 2018)
  • Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates train service around the United States of America. (updated Mar 2022) Route serving Leavenworth:
    • Empire Builder operating daily between Seattle/Portland and Chicago including stops at Spokane, Glacier National Park, Fargo, Saint Paul, and Milwaukee. The trains split into separate branches between Seattle and Spokane, and between Portland and Spokane, while operating as trains consisting of train cars from both branches between Spokane and Chicago. Between Seattle and Spokane, trains stop in Edmonds, Everett, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Ephrata. Trains are scheduled to arrive and depart at 8PM eastbound and 6AM westbound. Shuttles by hotels can be arranged to pick you up from the train station.

By bus

• Link Transit. Bus Route 22 serves Leavenworth from Wenatchee via Cashmere. (updated May 2018)
• Northwestern Trailways, (Bus stop) Wilkommen Park and Ride at 200 Ward Strasse, ☏ +1 800 366-3830. Pick up & drop only between 7AM-8PM Daily. Northwestern Trailways has one trip a day from Seattle (via Everett, Monroe, Stevens Pass, Skykomish, etc.) and from Spokane (via Wenatchee, Quincy, Moses Lake, Ritzville) to Leavenworth. Tickets can also be booked with Salt Lake Exress. The #22 bus do make a stop at Wilkommen P&R to pick up and drop-off going in both directions. (updated May 2018)

Get around

The tourist-centric downtown is along Front Street to the Wenatchee River. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from one side to the other.

If you are staying outside of the downtown area, you may have to get there by car. The public parking spots, which are all free, can be outrageously hard to find by lunchtime on weekends and holiday periods when day-trippers arrive on wheels. Parking outside the immediate downtown area can be found opposite Fairfield Inn (perfect for RVs) and the park & rides at downtown and behind Safeway.

By taxi

• Leavenworth Shuttle & Taxi, ☏ +1 509-548-RIDE (7433). Taxis within the Leavenworth and provides shuttle service for pickup from Stevens Pass, Icicle Amtrak station, and trailheads around town. $2 per person pick up, $2.50 per mile. (updated Sep 2016)

By bus

Link Transit operates a dedicated shuttle named Route D from the Wilkommen Park and Ride behind Safeway to the Icicle Quick Stop every 20 minutes from 11AM to 7PM, with stops alongside the US 2 road for downtown. On select hours, it also provides a convenient schedule for connection to Wenatchee-bound Route 22.

See

Riverfront Park with the Wenatchee River in winter

Bavarian-themed village

Between the buildings constructed in authentic Old World Bavarian architectural styles and the towering mountains in every direction, it really does feel like a German village in the Alps. The city's famous Christmas lights are up from Thanksgiving to around Valentine's Day (late November to mid-February), making it a spectacular sight at night.

• 1 Front Street Park. The park at the center of Leavenworth is usually the gathering place for everyone in between their shopping spree. Live music is performed on weekends and kids would roll down the green lawn in summer or sled down in the winter, or just watch the world go by at the Front Street tourist corridor. (updated Sep 2016)
• 2 Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, 10395 Chumstick Hwy, ☏ +1 509-885-3021. Weekends 10AM-1PM. Get to know the animals that pull Santa's sleigh. The experience includes presentation about the animals with seasonal refreshments on the side, followed by a hands-on tour at the stable. One also gets to see the typical farm animals and feed them. Reservation required by booking on their website. November-January $15 (ages 2 and above), $5 (ages 1 and under). Other times $12 (ages 2 and above). (updated Sep 2018)
• 3 Leavenworth Summer Theater, Box Office: 565 US-2 (Icicle Resort), Performance: Festhalle or Leavenworth Ski Hill. Join a magnificent interactive theater performance under the stars. The Sound of Music is their regular and usually sells out (given the fitting scene of the area), along with other rotating shows. $14-32. Seats must be reserved.. (updated Sep 2016)
• 4 Nutcracker Museum, 735 Front St (On the south corner of Front & 8th), ☏ +1 509-548-4573. 1-5PM daily May-Dec, varies on other months. A rather small museum, but is loaded with over 5000 models of nutcrackers, from simple prehistoric ones to modern movie character variations. Adults $5, students (ages 6-16) $2, children under 5 free.  
• 5 Waterfront Park. Daily 7AM-7PM. This is where you can unwind in nature without going too far from town. Walk the trails, go people-watching as you dip your feet in the Wenatchee River, be on the lookout for eagles and ospreys. For an even quieter setting, cross over the bridge to Blackbird Island. (updated Sep 2016)

Elsewhere

• 6 Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, 7409 Icicle Rd, ☏ +1 509-548-6347. A local arts center with periodic performances of both local & national artists. Immerse in a classical piece by their youth orchestra while gazing at the mountains from its meadows. (updated Sep 2016)
• 7 Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, 12790 Fish Hatchery Rd, ☏ +1 509-548-7641. M-F 8AM-4PM. See the annual salmon run as the fish runs upstream from the sea for hatching. Then learn its lifespan from being just a little egg to going back here for laying down its legacy. Self-guided tour of the complex available. Complex also includes wildlife trail and pollinator garden. (updated Sep 2018)

Do

Golfing at Leavenworth with a snowy mountain background.

Leavenworth is a popular access point for exploring the eastern slope of the Cascades, such as Lakes Wenatchee, Stevens Pass, and the myriad of hiking trails.

There are opportunities to have fun outdoors within the town proper.

• 1 Eagle Creek Ranch, 7951 Eagle Creek Road, ☏ +1 509-548-7798, toll-free: +1 800-221-7433, ranch@eaglecreek.ws. Daily 10AM-5PM. Ride on the back of a horse for a guided back country tour in the summer or a sleigh ride in the winter. Prices are quoted per mile and tours take at least 45 minutes. Suitable for riders of all levels, ages 4 and up. Reservation required. Trail ride from $25 per person, sleigh rides from $20 per person. (updated Sep 2018)
• 2 Enchantment Park, 300 Enchantment Park Way. Daily 6AM-midnight. The park features softball, baseball, and soccer fields for those who want to have fun and stay active, even during the winter. It is also connected by bridge to Blackbird Island and Waterfront Park. Free. (updated Sep 2018)
• 3 Leavenworth Golf Club, 9101 Icicle Road, ☏ +1 509 548-7267. Course opening hours vary by season from between 7 and 10AM, April to October only. 18-hole golf course close to downtown Leavenworth. Hilly but scenic between the mountains and the Wenatchee River. Watch out for occasional passing wildlife and check out its in-house Wild Huckleberry restaurant. 9-holes $25, 18-holes $35; $18 and $25 respectively after 2PM. (updated Sep 2016)
• 4 Leavenworth Outdoor Center, 321 9th St, ☏ +1 509 548-8823. Daily 9AM-6PM, April-September only. Float on the pristine Wenatchee using a tube, paddleboard, or kayak. Lessons provided. Tubing from $20, paddleboards & kayak from $40. (updated Sep 2016)
• 5 Leavenworth Ski Hill, 10701 Ski Hill Dr, ☏ +1 509-548-5477. For those who want to ski or snowboard but couldn't afford heading to Stevens Pass, the hill offers moderately long tracks for the experienced and special trails for beginners. Tubing is done at the Leavenworth Golf Club, while skiing is offered at the Ski Hill and Icicle River trails at Cyo Road south of downtown (across O'Grady's Pantry). Nordic trail: day trip $19/adult, afternoon $15/adult, two-day $30/adult. Alpine & Snowboarding: adults $19, youth & seniors $15, families $58. Tubing $20. (updated Sep 2018)
• 6 Osprey Rafting, 9342 Icicle Road, ☏ +1 509-548-6800. Daily 9AM-5PM, April-September only. If you are more of an adrenaline junkie, conquer the Classes III and IV rapids of the Wenatchee by a raft boat! Specific package includes BBQ at their Cashmere private landing. The lighter stuff includes tubing (with a family), paddleboard, and kayaking. Rafts from $55. (updated Sep 2016)

Hiking

The Enchantment Basin from Prusik Pass

The nearby Cascades offers hiking options for all levels, whether it is up the mountain or down the stream.

Most of the hiking trails are administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Most trailheads require a parking pass, such as the Interagency Annual Pass or Northwest Forest Pass.

• 7 The Enchantments (The Enchantment Lakes), 9101 Icicle Creek Road (go all the way along Icicle Creek Road), ☏ +1 509 664-9200. A granite basin of alpine lakes amidst the peaks of the Stuart Range make this an extremely popular hiking and backpacking destination during the summer. The full trail is 18 miles and 4500 feet, with a gruesome elevation gain of 2000 feet in less than a mile at Aasgard Pass. An overnight stay is highly recommended, but overnight permits must be reserved in advance and are highly competitive. Most instead make an 8 mile day hike to Colchuck Lake. No dogs allowed. There are two trailheads: Snow Lakes (4 miles out of Leavenworth) and Lake Stuart trailhead (pass the Snow Lakes Trailhead, turn left at the direction to Bridge Creek Campground, keep right, and follow the road all the way to the end). (updated Oct 2024)
• 8 Icicle Gorge. A relatively easy 5-mile hike that takes you along (and crossing) the gushing Icicle Creek. Road turns to gravel (a National Forest road) on the way up. (updated Sep 2016)
• 9 Tumwater Pipeline Trail (Penstock Old Pipeline) (go down the path to the non-descript parking on the river side, not the bridge). A relatively short and easy trail along the mighty Wenatchee River just off US-2 on what was once a water pipeline to power trains in the Cascade tunnel. Free. (updated Sep 2016)

Climbing

• Icicle Creek Canyon. A series of crags along Icicle Creek Rd, starting just outside of town. Mostly bouldering and trad, but with many sport routes. (updated Nov 2024)
• Tumwater Canyon. A series of crags along US-2, between the edge of town and the bridge across the Wenatchee River near milepost 91. Mostly bouldering and trad.
• The Enchantments contain a number of famous trad and alpine routes, including Prusik Peak, Dragontail Peak, and Mount Stuart. (updated Nov 2024)

Festivals

Leavenworth finds an excuse to run some sort of festival or event, from music to parades to holiday parties, almost every weekend.

• 10 Oktoberfest, Festhalle (Front St & 10th Ave). F 6PM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM on the first three weekends of October. Similar to the German culture it adopted, it is the largest festival in the area, with residents and tourists alike celebrating by drinking pints of beer, savor the German delights, and celebrate Bavarian culture. (updated Aug 2016)
• Village of Lights: Christmastown. each day from Thanksgiving to February. The city is bright with colorful lights and snow often covers the ground. (updated Oct 2024)

Buy

The Kris Kringl Store, one of Leavenworth's specialty shops

Virtually all the shopping options can be found on the Front Street strip. The following lists the shops that are worth both your pocket and an experience:

• 1 A Matter of Taste, 647 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-6949. Summer: daily 9AM–9PM; winter: M-F 11-4PM, Sa-Su 10-6PM. Some little souvenirs, a wide variety of spreads, dips, and jams that you can taste with a provided pretzel stick and a piping hot sauce that you can sample at your own risk. (updated Aug 2016)
• 2 Cup & Kettle, 819 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-TEAS (8327). Daily 10AM-5PM. Over 140 kinds of tea, from the usual black or green tea to newly invented flavors of the loose leaf mixes. The spicy fresh smell of herbs & salt greets you at the storefront. (updated Sep 2016)
• 3 The Cheesemonger's Shop, 819 Front St (Access the door to the left of Cup & Kettle and go down to the basement), ☏ +1 509-548-9011, toll-free: +1 877-888-7389. Sa 10:30AM-6PM, Su-F 10:30AM-5:30PM. A myriad of cheese produced from farms across Eastern Washington plus local wines to pair with - ask for a sample and they will gladly give you one. Also in the shop, German sausages and various flavors of Bavarian mustard. (updated Aug 2016)
• 4 Kris Kringl, 907 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-6867, toll-free: +1 888-557-4645. Daily 10AM-6PM. It's Christmas all-year round, where two levels of ornaments you look forward to put on your tree are hung wall-to-wall, peppered with Santa Claus dolls, tranquil mini villages and intricate figurines. Check out its Halloween section and life-size father Christmas on a sleigh. (updated Aug 2016)
• 5 The Oil and Vinegar Cellar, 633 Front St Ste F, ☏ +1 509-470-7684. Daily 10AM-6PM. A shop selling infused olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar and flavorful gourmet sea salts, all the unique ingredients for home cooks. Free tasting samples and bulk discounts. (updated Sep 2016)
• 6 Schocolat, 834-C Front St (Go all the way to the back of Ganz Klasse as you enter), ☏ +1 509-548-7274, toll-free: +1 877-763-7274. Daily 10AM-6PM. Homemade artisan Belgian truffles and chocolates whose staff is friendly and generous with samples. (updated Aug 2016)
• Almond Blossom, 933 Front St Ste C, ☏ +1 509 888-3857. Daily 10:30AM-5:30PM. Assorted freshly roasted nuts sold by the pound, with an extensive library of flavors ranging from sweet to spicy. (updated Sep 2018)

Groceries

If you need that last minute grocery shopping trip for a cookout, the following stores should provide what you need:

• 7 Dan's Food Market, 1329 US-2, ☏ +1 509 548-5611. Daily 5AM-10PM. (updated Sep 2016)
• 8 Safeway, 116 Riverbend Drive, ☏ +1 509 548-5435. Daily 6AM-11PM. (updated Sep 2016)

Eat

Bavarian cuisine is hearty and filling, consisting mainly of meat (especially sausages) with sauerkraut as a side dish. While many visitors to Leavenworth will be looking for this option, those who wish to have something else will not run out of choices.

Budget

• 1 The Gingerbread Factory, 828 Commercial St, ☏ +1 509-548-6592. Daily 8AM-6PM. A cafe that looks like the fairy tale. Have a warm cup of coffee with assorted gingerbread and other flavor cookies to-go, or a wrap & salad as something more filling. Cookies $2.50-7, drinks $2-5, food $3-7. (updated Sep 2016)
• 2 Good Mood Food, 285 US-2, ☏ +1 509-423-7788. Daily 7AM-4PM. American pita, pastry, and light meal cafe. One of the most gluten-free and vegetarian friendly establishments in town. Breakfast served until 11. Coffee $2.50-6, food $5-10. (updated Sep 2016)
• 3 Leavenworth Sausage Garten, 636 Front St, ☏ +1 509-888-4959. Bavarian sausages made by their neighbor "Cured by Visconti" complemented with a selection of beers. Outdoor seating (with shades) and live music. Less crowded than Munchen Haus. Hot dogs $6, beers $5-17. (updated Sep 2016)
• 4 München Haus, 709 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-1158. M-Th 11AM-8PM, F Su 11AM-9PM, Sa 11AM-10PM. Affordable traditional Bavarian food (an extensive menu of delicious sausages in hot dog buns) and craft beers with outdoor seating. All the sauerkraut you can handle from an ample fixings bar that is mostly made up of big squeeze bottles of mustard and more. The menu includes a vegetarian (field roast) sausage option. The outdoor seating includes heating lamps. $4-8. 
• 5 Heidleburger Drive In, 12708 US-2, ☏ +1 509-548-5471. Daily 11AM-9PM. Quaint drive-in burger barn with outdoor patio seating. Look for its curly fries or onion rings. $4-6. (updated Sep 2016)

Mid-range

• 6 Bären Haus, 208 9th St (corner of Front and 9th St.), ☏ +1 509-548-4535. Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM. Traditional Bavarian fare with a few 'German' beers to choose from. The large steins are kind of a rip-off, but pitchers are definitely worth the cost. Entrees $11-20. 
• 7 Bavarian Bistro & Bar, 801 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-5074. Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. A restaurant and bar space on the second floor overlooking Front Street, Bavarian Bistro & Bar has a wide variety of primarily German food items, German and local beers, wines, and cocktails. The sausage plates are popular, as is the German meatloaf and anything involving sauerkraut (which is to say, most dishes). Many vegetarian options are available, including a delicious salad with quinoa, a generous appetizer portion of Brussels sprouts, and a savory sweet potato pie main dish. Borrow one of the tabletop games to pass the time while you drink. Lunch $9-15, dinner $12-22. (updated Feb 2019)
• 8 Idlewild Pizza, 911 Commercial St. W-M 5-10PM, Sa noon-10PM. Salad with unique base ingredients (like beet and green bean) accompanied with stone-oven fired pizzas and a bottle of fine wine. Make sure to leave room for dessert. Pizzas $12-16, salads & desserts $4-7, wine from $7. (updated Sep 2016)
• 9 South, 939 Front St, ☏ +1 509-888-HEAT (4328). M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Latin American (and Mexican) treats, plus self serve salsa bar (bottomless!) and exotic cocktails. Lunch $10-15, Dinner $15-23. (updated Sep 2016)
• 10 Sulla Vita, 931 Front St, ☏ +1 509-888-3940. Daily noon-9PM. A modest number of Mediterranean palate and wood-fired oven pizzas in a rusty interior, top it off with an extensive library of curated wines. Mains & pizzas $7-15. Wines $10-50. (updated Sep 2016)
• 11 King Ludwig's Restaurant, 921 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-6625, info@kingludwigs.com. Su-Th 11:30AM - 8:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM - 9PM. Large Bavarian-style German restaurant & beer hall known for its live polka music & imported brews. (updated Feb 2018)
• Pavz, 833 Front St, ☏ +1 509 548-2103. Daily 11:30AM-9PM. Simple and artsy cafe with comfort food in the menu that include sweet crepes, pastas, savory steaks and cheese fondue. Snacks from $4, Mains from $12. (updated Sep 2018)

Splurge

• 12 Andreas Keller, 829 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-6000. Daily 11:30AM-9PM. Traditional filling Bavarian fare, commonly known for its pork hock (limited availability), schnitzels, sausages. Sides favorites include (mildly) salty pretzels and red cabbage. Offers large pints of beer to complement your meal. Accompanied by live yodeling and Alpine music at dinnertime. Reserve ahead as place is very packed by 6:30PM. Lunch & sides $10-20, dinner $17-35. 
• Mana Restaurant, 1033 Commercial St, ☏ +1 509-548-1662. F-Su 6-8:30PM. Treat yourself (and your significant other) to a gourmet organic dining experience. 8-course meal with rotating menus inspired by fusion of local ingredients, plus options of wine or non-alcoholic pairing. Reservations necessary. Vegan friendly. Sister restaurant (and cheaper counterpart) of Seattle's Sutra. F & Sa $85 per person, Su $65 per person. Drink pairings from $24. (updated Sep 2018)
• 13 Mozart's, 829 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-0600, mozartsLeavenworth@gmail.com. M-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 11AM-10:30PM. More of a European fare than Bavarian, though they do offer schnitzels & Reuben sandwiches. Their gnocchi and steaks are worth craving for as you treat yourself to bourbon flights. Entrees $20-50. (updated Sep 2016)
• 14 Watershed Cafe, 221 8th St, ☏ +1 509-888-0214. Su M 5-9PM; Th-Sa 5-10PM. Fine dining in a New American cafe offering seafood, fine meats, and even an elk shepherd's pie. Entrees $20 up. (updated Sep 2016)

Drink

Bavaria is famous for its beers and beer halls, and Leavenworth does its best to match.

• 1 Icicle Brewing Company, 935 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-BREW (2739). M-Th 2-10PM, F-Su noon-10PM. Small local brew pub with both indoor and outdoor seating. Flights, growlers, and some small plates available. 21+ after 6PM. The Boot Jack IPA is a solid option after a long day of shopping or hiking. (updated Mar 2015)
• Uncle Uli's Pub, 902 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-7262. Pub with BBQ food. 
• Blewett Brewing Company, 911 Commercial Street, ☏ +1 509-888-8809. M-Th noon-9PM, F noon-10PM, Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM. The brewery offers classic wheat beer or infused with fruits. May be combined with hard cider for a sampler of five. Serves salads, pizzas, and ice cream as an accompaniment. They also have 32oz cans which may be filled with your personal favorite beer, for months of safekeeping. There are separate sides for families with children and those of legal age. (updated Sep 2018)
• Leavenworth Cider House, 939 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548 9900. Th Su 12:30PM-6PM, F Sa 12:30PM-10PM. Twenty-five flavors of cider or some bottles of beer to warm you up. From $6. (updated Apr 2021)

Leavenworth's proximity to Washington state's wine country means easy access to locally-produced bottles at its many cellars and distilleries.

Sleep

Although hotels are abundant across the US-2 strip, families and large groups tend to rent cabins just outside the downtown area. For those that are really on a budget, there are B&Bs throughout town, in which many of them are some distances from downtown, in the area where the locals live.

A couple non-chain hotels quote different rates depending on the season, with January-April and October-November being mostly considered as low season. During high season - which is usually December and May through September - expect prices to hike up by at least a third.

Budget

Der Ritterhof Motor Inn after a snow day.

• 1 Der Ritterhof, 190 US-2, ☏ +1 509-548-5845. Motel with a swimming pool and its units radiating around it. Family friendly and casual, even providing a BBQ spot. Pet friendly. Continental breakfast provided but one can request for a discount voucher at Kristall's restaurant next door. From $90 per night. (updated Sep 2016)
• 2 Evergreen Inn, 1117 Front St., ☏ +1 509-548-5515, toll-free: +1-800-327-7212. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. One of the only cheap places in Leavenworth. Stay includes a free breakfast with make-your-own Belgian waffles. From $80 per night. 
• 3 FairBridge Inn & Suites, 185 US-2, ☏ +1 509-548-7992. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 4PM. Standard pet-friendly hotel albeit with slightly smaller rooms. Full breakfast with terrace seating area. 5-minute walk from Front St. From $95 per night. (updated Sep 2016)
• 4 Mrs. Anderson's Lodging House, 917 Commercial St, ☏ +1 509-548-6173, toll-free: +1 800-253-8990. Quaint guesthouse, only one block away from the shops. Rooms have bathrooms that are either private or shared. Two of their rooms can sleep six! From $75 per night, $20 per additional person. (updated Sep 2018)

Mid-range

• 5 Bavarian Ritz Hotel, 633 Front St, ☏ +1 509-548-5455. A pretty large hotel, the first you'll see while driving down Front Street. Each room is designed differently. Quaint and cozy though may be a bit dark. The sundeck on the second floor has a perfect view of the mountains and Wenatchee River. Dog friendly and private parking available. From $125 per night. (updated Sep 2018)
• 6 Icicle Village Inn, 505 US-2, ☏ +1 509-548-7000, toll-free: +1-800-558-2438, fax: +1 509-548-7050. A cheap and family-friendly option. Lobbies are decorated in brown Bavarian style. Outdoor pool, spa, and arcade for leisure travelers with family. From $135 per night. 
• 7 Howard Johnson Express, 405 US-2, ☏ +1 509-548-4326. Fairly old one-long-house design with low-key rooms and the chain's no-frill standards. Full breakfast provided. Be careful when parking, may be difficult for a large car. From $100 per night. (updated Sep 2016)
• 8 Leavenworth Village Inn, 1016 Commercial St, ☏ +1 509-548-6620. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. A seemingly large hotel at downtown. Rooms are designed with wooden floors and offers complimentary hot drinks and breakfast cookies. From $100 per night. (updated Sep 2018)
• 9 Hampton Inn and Suites, 301 Ward Strasse, ☏ +1-509-470-9798. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. If you want someplace a short drive away from downtown, this hotel has the perfect location. Located on the main road next to Safeway supermarket, it has cavernous rooms though the modern design may not blend in with the theme of the town. Free breakfast. Hot tub and gym available. From $135 per night. (updated Sep 2018)

Splurge

• 10 Bavarian Lodge, 810 US-2, toll-free: +1-888-717-7878. Large rooms, some with fireplaces, with views of the Bavarian downtown right across Front St. Highlights rustic in-house pub for lounging with tranquil mountain view and live music. From $160 per night. (updated Sep 2016)
• 11 Enzian Inn, 590 US-2, ☏ +1 509-548-5269, toll-free: +1-800-223-8511, info@enzianinn.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Classic hotel with brown wooden interiors, a classic Bavarian design. Rooms ranging from a queen bed to the Enzian Falls Hutte (a 2-floor suite). Putting course, swimming pool, table tennis and squash courts complimentary for all guests. The owners play the alphorn for breakfast and they can be anywhere to greet you. From $180 per night. (updated Sep 2016)
• 12 Solstice Suites, 925 Commercial St, ☏ +1 206-679-2985. All suites guesthouse. Shared infrared sauna, steam shower, and tranquility pool. Its flagship suite also offers a personal spa room and a personal room for the aforementioned facilities. From $250 per night. (updated Sep 2018)
• Storybook Riverside Inn, 315 Commercial St, ☏ +1 509-470-9500. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Three suites in different designs of old European palaces (medieval, palace, and Olde Rose) but equipped with modern amenities. Only accommodates two adults per room. A shared space downstairs offer complimentary wines and continental breakfast on Friday evenings through the weekend. From $230 per night. (updated Sep 2018)
• Sleeping Lady Resort, 7375 Icicle Rd, ☏ +1 509-548-6344. Quaintly designed rooms featuring handicraft wood furnishings, all in a large yet secluded area a short drive from town. All rooms can fit at least 3. One of their units include an 8-bed dorm with bunk beds and private baths. The multiple restaurants (O'Grady's and Kingfisher) offer extensive options of light snacks and filling meals while the spa is worth trying. Multiple activities for families and pet friendly. From $200 per night. (updated Sep 2018)

Camping

If you're here to hike the Cascades or the Enchantments, there are campgrounds down Icicle Road, inside the Wenatchee National Forest. They fill up on weekends. Backcountry camping in the Enchantments requires a permit and are extremely popular in the summer, given out by a lottery months ahead of time. Backcountry camping outside of the Enchantments zone is freely available.

Connect

Leavenworth shares the 509 area code with the entire area of the Washington state east of the Cascade Mountains.

Outside of the town, expect rudimentary to non-existent cell services, even along US-2. Set your GPS or navigation on your phone before driving. In the mountains, spotty phone reception can be found on the junction between US-2 and entrance to Lake Wenatchee, and at Stevens Pass.

Stay safe

• Winter driving conditions, especially west of town, can be dangerous and slippery, as snow can often fall in feet per hour. Apply the usual winter driving safety precautions and drive extra careful. US-2 is often cleared quickly due to its level of traffic, but it does get overwhelmed from time to time. Stevens Pass also sometimes closes for avalanche control. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for winter travel information. Snoqualmie Pass, to the south, closes less frequently due to its lower elevation. When Stevens Pass is closed, you may be able to take an hour-long detour via Blewett Pass.
• Watch out for foot traffic while driving on Front Street, especially on weekends. Even though there are marked crossings, jaywalking is still common here. Be patient as you search for parking, as it will be frustratingly hard to find during those times.

Go next

• Lake Wenatchee in the west via US-2.
• Lake Chelan, the state's largest lake, to the north.
• The nearby town of Cashmere has a small distillery and a confections factory.
• Wenatchee, a large town to the east, bills itself as the "Apple Capital of the World".
• A drive along US 2 can take you to Seattle in the west (though the highway actually terminates at Everett) or Spokane in the east.
• South down US-97, across Blewett Pass to the college town of Ellensburg.
• The nearest ski resorts are Stevens Pass on US2 to the west and Mission Ridge south of Wenatchee.

Try the other rock climbing areas of Washington:

• Frenchman Coulee — a gorge along the Columbia filled with basalt columns
• Index — easy access to a big wall
• Mazama, outside of Winthrop — cragging next to the huge routes of North Cascades National Park
• North Bend — the most accessible rock to Seattle
• Tieton, outside of Yakima — also features column basalts

Leavenworth is on the North Cascade Loop itinerary.

Routes through Leavenworth

Seattle ← Everett ←	W  E	→ Wenatchee → Spokane
Everett ← Stevens Pass ←	W  E	→ Cashmere → Wenatchee